Look who’s large and in charge now

Each time we’ve brought someone new into the herd, it happens. It happened with Fergus and Nigel, with Patrick, and now with Gracie Belle. The Boyz shun the newcomer away from the feed tub, and sometimes, they can be downright mean about it.

I worry and fret, and Don reminds me they just need time to figure things out.

Gracie came to us on Thursday afternoon. She didn’t have the slightest interest in food on Friday. On Saturday, she finally started eating, and I was so relieved.

Last night, things were different. Instead of being relegated to the feed tub set out separately for her, Gracie managed to turn the tables on the Boyz and had four big, strong manly men eating out of a teensy, weensy tub.

I’ve been wondering–since I really don’t know much about burros–is she underweight? She looks so skinny to me, particularly her hindquarters. But I’m used to seeing pictures of your and Carson’s sleek & sassy herds, so I don’t know what’s normal for an animal out on the range.

It is important to remember that these wild animals have not had a life of proper care and attention that an owner would have given them. Prior to gathering these animals from the open range, their diet consisted of native grasses and shrubs. Many of these animals come from crowded ranges where there was competition for the available forage from livestock and wildlife.

Although your adopted horse or burro may appear lean compared to domestic standards, with proper care, adequate food, and attention, these animals can become gentle, sleek, companionable animals.

In other words, yes, she’s a bit underweight, but we’ll gradually have that fixed.

Gracious! I go away for the weekend and when I come back, there’s a new member of the herd. Now I have to play catch up and find out who the lucky donkey is to have landed at your terrific ranch. Congrats!

This is my favorite post of the day:-) She is so sweet and feminine looking. I know she will fatten up soon enough. A good alpha handles their position of authority quietly and she looks to have that in your herd. Poor boys, they aren’t quite sure what to make of this.